A comprehensive study analyzing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related deaths in the Americas from 1990 to 2023 shows that, though North America had the highest mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancer burden in 2023, incidence rates are also declining rapidly. At the same time, the report showed that there’s been an alarming increase among women in Southern Latin America, with women in Argentina and Brazil most affected.
North American Mesothelioma Mortality Drops 2.0%
The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas, found that while North America had the highest mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancer burden in 2023 with 5.1 deaths per 100,000 population, the region also experienced the most pronounced decline, with average annual reductions of 2.0% in mortality. In contrast, Southern Latin America showed the strongest increase in women, with 2.3% annual increases in both mesothelioma mortality and disability-adjusted life-years.
The findings reflect a significant shift in the epidemiology of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. Health experts are calling for targeted prevention efforts, improved surveillance, gender-responsive occupational protections, and stricter enforcement of asbestos bans across Latin America, especially for female workers, as age-period-cohort modeling revealed marked increases. Mortality and disability rate ratios for lung cancer rose to 1.31 in Tropical and Southern Latin America, and rate ratios for mesothelioma rose to 1.22 in Southern Latin America. This translates to an increase of 8.2% in mortality and 8.3% in disability-adjusted life-years per year from 1997 to 2005. Women in Argentina had the highest mesothelioma mortality and disability rates.
Mesothelioma Study Identifies Environmental and Para-Occupational Exposure as Growing Threat
The researchers found that while men historically faced higher rates of asbestos-related cancers due to occupations in mining, construction, and demolition, women are increasingly facing exposure through textile industries producing protective clothing with asbestos materials. They are being equipped with poorly fitting safety equipment designed for male bodies, and also experiencing environmental contamination from asbestos mining sites.
In addition to environmental exposure, mesothelioma’s impact on women may be a result of secondary exposure to asbestos brought home on work clothes. The researchers warn that “the increase in mesothelioma and lung cancer rates among women in Tropical and Southern Latin America is a sentinel health event,” strongly suggesting “the burden of disease is no longer confined to the workplace and has expanded to include significant para-occupational and environmental exposures.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
